‘He Did it Deliberately’ — Donald Duke blasts Atiku for sabotaging opposition to hand Tinubu victory
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has launched a stinging attack on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of orchestrating a deliberate plan to split the opposition vote in 2023 to pave the way for President Bola Tinubu’s victory.
Duke, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argued that Atiku’s insistence on running for the presidency in 2023—despite a widespread consensus that power should shift to the South—was a calculated move that fractured the opposition.
The “Sabotage” Allegation
In a statement that has sparked fresh debate within political circles, Duke claimed that Atiku was fully aware that his candidacy would divide the electorate.
“Atiku knows what he’s doing and does it deliberately,” Duke stated. “In 2023, knowing full well that it was the turn of the South, he jumped in and shared the people’s collective vote with Peter Obi, thereby giving Tinubu the leeway to Aso Rock.”
Allegations of Religious Bias
Beyond political strategy, some critics have suggested that Atiku’s actions may have been influenced by religious considerations. There are allegations that the former Vice President may have preferred a victory for Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a fellow Muslim—over a shift to a Christian Southern candidate.
To support claims of Atiku’s alleged leaning toward religious conservatism, observers often point to his controversial role in the aftermath of the 2022 murder of Deborah Samuel , a student killed by extremists in Sokoto. Atiku had initially condemned the killing on social media but deleted the post minutes later following threats from religious hardliners, an act his detractors cite as evidence of religious fanaticism or a refusal to stand against extremism for political gain.
2027 Warning
Duke’s remarks come amid reports that Atiku is positioning himself for another run in 2027. The ADC chieftain warned that the former Vice President appears ready to repeat the 2023 strategy, potentially scuttling any chance of a unified opposition front.
Duke had previously advised Atiku to retire, famously telling him, “You are not Abraham Lincoln; it is time to step aside and start making kings.”
Atiku’s Camp Responds
While Atiku’s media office has consistently maintained that he has a constitutional right to contest and possesses the experience to “rescue” Nigeria, the “sabotage” narrative continues to gain traction among those who believe a unified opposition is the only way to challenge the ruling APC.
